Hi there, I'm sorry you're feeling so bad. I know some might not agree with me, but if your D is not completely out of control, I would go on the boat trip. I'm kind of in the camp of refusing to let IBS run my life. Sure, there are times that I just feel so bad that I don't want to do anything or go anywhere, but I try not to let the fear of what could happen keep me from things I enjoy. I know it's embarrassing, but IBS is very common and a lot of people know about it, so you could just explain to one or two understanding people on the trip that this is the condition you have and you might need to be taken back to "shore" for a bathroom break (if this is possible). The more you talk about your IBS to others, the less embarrassed you'll be, and I don't mean you have to give them all the intimate details. Everyone I've talked to about it is completely sympathetic and they've expressed that they can't imagine living that way, etc. No one has ever mocked it or made fun. As far as getting through the bad days, just remember that IBS is usually cyclical and it WILL get better. Eat what makes you feel good, get more rest, take a day off work, whatever you need to do. One more word of encouragement: over the years, my body has sort of adjusted itself to the IBS. I remember about 10 years ago, having to pull my car over on a country road because of an attack of D. But that was probably the last time. It seems these days that I might feel a twinge, but the horrible urgency doesn't hit until I'm safely in the bathroom. There is a strong connection between your brain and your gut, and for whatever reason, I just feel like my body has adjusted and has learned how to "wait". Don't look at this as a life sentence or a ruined life. I live a very normal life - I travel, I eat in restaurants, I work fulltime, I go shopping and do pretty much anything I want. SO much of your anxiety will come from thinking of the disease itself and the limitations you're picturing. When I shift my focus from my symptoms to something more pleasant, they always improve. God bless!!
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Re: Newbie IBS-d and anxiety.
